Key holder



Nov. 21, 1961 v. D. HAYNES 3,009,350

KEY HOLDER Filed Aug. 25, 1959 Virgil 0. Haynes INVENTOR. BY wad-2: I wm vm United States Patent 3,009,350 KEY HQLDER Virgil D. Haynes, 1620 El Kay Drive, Eugene, Greg. Filed Aug. 25, 1959, Ser. No. 835,869 2 Claims. (Cl. 70-456) The present invention relates to a pocket-type key holder, that is, a readily accessible easy-to-handle device characterized by a plurality of selectively usable keyrings, each key ring being adapted to accommodate a predetermined group of keys. More specifically a preferred embodiment of the invention may be generally classified as a three-way easy-to-find key holder wherein, for example, house keys may be assembled and mounted on one key ring, car keys on a second key ring, and ofiice and analogous keys on a third ring.

It is generally well recognized that when the number of keys which are to be carried in the pocket is exceedingly large and all are attached to one ring, it becomes a matter of some difficulty to feel, find and catch hold of a particular or desired key for use. This is especially true Where a large number of keys of the same character are in the over-all collection of keys. Considering the inconvenience, annoyance and time involved in selecting a particular key from a large group, grouping and selector type key rings and holders have been employed.

In carrying out the preferred embodiment of the instant invention, and with a view toward advancing the art an improved holder is offered. This holder cornprises a centralized collar constituting a hub, a plurality of circumferentially spaced individual key rings, each key ring adapted to accommodate a group of similarly functioning keys, and means for separably linking the key rings to the hub, the means in each instance comprising a swivel. More specifically the swivel comprises a length or piece of wire which is bent upon itself between its ends to provide a loop-like eye and a shank, the inner end of the shank being swivelled in a bearing pro vided in the collar.

Other objects, features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description and illustrative drawing. For example the keys are less likely to tangle with each other. Also it is possible to pick-up the hub-like collar so that the key rings joined by the swivels will readily separate.

In the drawing, wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a key holder constructed in accordance with the invention and showing, in phantom lines, the manner in which the same may be used; and

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view taken on the plane of the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring now to the drawing the embodiment illustrated is a three-Way adaptation. Obviously, however, any number of key rings, within reason, could be assembled and employed for selectively grouping and isolating the groups of keys. In any event there is a common linking connector and this comprises a ring-like collar 4 of suitable size and material. It is shown provided at circumferentially spaced points with bearing holes 6. Each bearing hole is adapted to accommodate the rotatable shank 8 which is swivelled and held in place by a head 10. The shank is a portion of a bent wire part which may be referred to generally as a swivel 12. The wire is bent upon itself between its ends as at 14 to define an elongated loop 16. The other end portion of the wire is coiled or twisted around the shank the desired number of turns as at 18. The key rings themselves, there being three shown, are all alike and each key ring is a somewhat conventional type split ring, the same being denoted at 20 and the convolutions being overlapped in such a way that one can spread the free ends apart and apply and remove a key in a now generally well known manner. Thus, a simple collar has the swivels 12 attached thereto at circumferentially spaced points with the swivels serving to link the key rings in the assemblage for isolated grouping.

It will be understood that the split key rings are in and of themselves old. In fact one would find a split ring of this general type disclosed in a long expired Pattent 295,158 of March 18, 1884. Having a common cen tral hub and circumferentially spaced radial swivels for keys is also not in itself new. Therefore the invention has to do with the simple hub-like centralized collar and the linking connections therewith at circumferentially spaced points with the key rings linked in position. Any number of key rings and accompanying swivels may be adopted and utilized within reason. The kinds of materials appropriated for the individual components are of no moment. The key holder may be, if found to be commercially practical, enclosed in a jacket, pouch or leather or an equivalent holding and protecting case. A chain if desired may be attached.

Minor changes in shape, size, materials and rearrange ment of components may be resorted to in actual practice without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A key holder device comprising a relatively small one-piece annular hub member of such a size it may be held entirely between a persons thumb and finger, said hub having a plurality of radial circumferentially spaced holes therein, a plurality of radially extending wire link members, the inner end of each link member pivotally extending through one of said holes for maintaining them in a common plane, a retaining head on the inner end of each link member, a loop formed on the other end of each of said link members, a free floating expandable split key ring interconnected with each of said loops, and said loops being permanently spaced a sufficient circumferential distance by said links for preventing entanglement of any keys on one ring with the keys on any other ring and permitting a person to hold the hub without preventing free movement of any of the key rings, and said links acting as universal joints between the hub and rings and permitting the rings to move freely in any direction, three of said holes and links being provided on said hub and equally spaced from each other around the hub, and the diameter of the relatively small hub being substantially one-half the diameter of each of said rings.

2. A 'device as defined in claim 1 wherein the loops are formed by bending the outer ends of the links into circular shape and coiling said ends about the medium portions of said links.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 241,502 Miller May 17, 1881 603,247 Becker May 3, 1898 2,508,024 Hanna May 16, 1950 2,595,700 Plough May 6, 1952 2,805,566 Martinuzzi Sept. 10, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 147,609 Great Britain Ian. 27, 1921 946,435 France Dec. 20, 1948 

